Bulletin No.: 07/2001

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Date (Y-M-D): 2001-09-04
 

Subject: Accessibility of Life Saving Equipment

This bulletin is to remind vessel owners, operators, and crew, of the importance of having life saving equipment that is ready for use and highly visible.

Operators and crews must maintain life saving equipment in good operating condition and know how and when to use it.

Life saving equipment must be stored in locations that are well marked and readily accessible, so that in the event of an emergency, it is available for immediate use.  For example, life jackets must not be placed in bags or kept under lock and key.  When carrying children, sufficient child size life jackets must be on board.

Passengers should be made aware of the location of life jackets, and instructed in their use. Passengers should be briefed in the actions required of them in the event of an emergency. The briefing may be supplemented with pictograms.

Regulatory amendments, which will require all passenger vessels to have safety briefings on or prior to departure, are currently being processed. In the meantime these briefings should be put in to practice immediately.

Future amendments to the Life Saving Equipment Regulations will emphasize that the stowage of life jackets and other life saving equipment shall be in well marked accessible locations on all passenger vessels.

To add or change your address, contact us at: marinesafety@tc.gc.ca

Owners of commercial vessels, registered and licensed, automatically receive Bulletins.